Vanessa Smith , LPC, LCSW

Vanessa Smith is a licensed counselor who brings a compassionate, interactive approach to therapy. With 6 years of clinical experience, she has worked with people from varied backgrounds to address concerns such as depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, parenting challenges, anger, substance use, grief and other life changes like job loss or the death of a loved one. She also has experience supporting individuals returning to the community after incarceration.

Her approach is grounded in person-centered and humanistic principles that treat each person as the expert on their own life. Vanessa blends warm, collaborative guidance with practical strategies to help clients access inner resources, improve relationships, and navigate healing. She holds LPC and LCSW credentials - Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Social Worker - which reflect training in therapeutic assessment, treatment planning, and clinical practice.

Vanessa’s aim is to help clients move toward greater fulfillment and a renewed perspective on life. She focuses on supporting growth, building coping skills, and fostering resilience so individuals can pursue their goals and live more aligned with their values.

Approaches Vanessa Brings to Online Counseling

Vanessa Smith uses client-centered therapy to create a respectful, nonjudgmental space where the client’s goals and values guide the work. This approach emphasizes empathy and active listening and can help people clarify priorities, strengthen self-understanding, and rebuild relationships.

She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and patterns and developing practical strategies to change them. CBT is often helpful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns where skill-building and structured practice can reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning.

Vanessa incorporates elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) when clients need tools for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and improving interpersonal effectiveness. DBT skills can be useful for managing intense emotions and improving coping during life transitions.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Vanessa works with each person to match methods to their needs, goals, and preferences, and adjusts the plan over time based on what proves most helpful.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access licensed professionals from home, while allowing clients to choose the format that best fits their daily life and communication style.